- Understand the personal opinion of interview subjects.
- Analyze conversation patterns in interviews.
- Express personal opinions on the interview genre.
- Compare different media of communication in interviews.
- Identify and notice discourse linkers and signallers in conversation.
- Transfer information from interviews to reports effectively.
- Conduct interviews with individuals of interest.
The Interview
Learning Objectives
Detailed Notes
Notes on Interviews
Understanding the Interview Genre
- Comprehension: Understanding personal opinion and conversation patterns in interviews.
- Talking about the Text: Expressing personal opinions on the interview genre and comparing different media of communication.
Discourse Linkers and Signallers
- Importance of linkers in conversation, especially in structured formats like interviews.
- Examples of Signallers:
- "Which brings me to another question ...."
- "But let me tell you another story..."
- Without preparatory signallers, the flow of ideas may not be smooth.
Writing in Interviews
- Transfer of information from one genre to another (e.g., interview to report).
- Activity: Practice interviewing people and recording the conversation in writing.
About the Author: Umberto Eco
- Eco is a professor and a prolific writer known for his work in semiotics and literary fiction.
- His novel, The Name of the Rose, sold millions of copies, showcasing the intersection of academic and popular writing.
Key Themes in Interviews
- The interview as a communication genre has evolved and is viewed differently by various individuals.
- Some celebrities view interviews as intrusive, while others see them as a powerful medium of communication.
Notable Quotes from the Interview
- Umberto Eco: "I am a professor who writes novels on Sundays."
- Eco discusses the unpredictability of a book's success and the nature of audience preferences.
Common Perspectives on Interviews
- Some view interviews as a source of truth, while others see them as an intrusion.
- Historical figures like Rudyard Kipling expressed disdain for interviews, viewing them as immoral.
Conclusion
- Interviews serve as a significant medium for understanding contemporary figures and their thoughts.
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
It was published at a time when medieval history was unpopular.
B.
The book's success was unexpected given its complex themes.
C.
It was marketed only in Europe.
D.
It was his first attempt at writing a novel.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco considered the success of 'The Name of the Rose' a mystery because it was unexpected given its complex themes.
A.
They believe people prefer easy reading experiences.
B.
They think medieval history is not interesting.
C.
They assume detective stories are unpopular.
D.
They find the book's language difficult.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Journalists are puzzled because they believe people prefer easy reading experiences, yet 'The Name of the Rose' is complex.
A.
They are always seen as an intrusion into personal lives.
B.
They are a supreme medium of communication despite some drawbacks.
C.
They are only useful for promoting books and movies.
D.
They are primarily a source of entertainment.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The excerpts suggest that interviews, despite some drawbacks, are a supreme medium of communication, providing vivid impressions of contemporaries.
A.
It was marketed aggressively by publishers.
B.
It was written in a simple and easy-to-read style.
C.
It appealed to readers who enjoy complex and challenging material.
D.
It was the only book available on medieval history at the time.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Umberto Eco suggests that 'The Name of the Rose' appealed to a niche audience that preferred complex and challenging reading experiences, contrary to the belief that people prefer easy reads.
A.
He identifies primarily as a novelist.
B.
He sees himself as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays.
C.
He considers himself a full-time novelist.
D.
He believes he is a journalist first.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco states that he considers himself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays.
A.
His novels are more popular than his academic work.
B.
His academic work is more popular than his novels.
C.
He considers his novels and academic work equally popular.
D.
He finds his novels less satisfying than his academic work.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Umberto Eco acknowledges that his novels reach a larger audience compared to his academic work.
A.
As a predictable outcome due to its medieval themes
B.
As a mystery that cannot be easily explained
C.
As a result of effective marketing strategies
D.
As a consequence of the lack of similar books
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco views the success of 'The Name of the Rose' as a mystery, suggesting that its success at that particular time cannot be easily explained.
A.
It was entirely predictable.
B.
It was a complete mystery.
C.
It was due to its medieval history theme.
D.
It was because of its detective story element.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco considers the success of 'The Name of the Rose' a mystery that could not have been predicted.
A.
They feel interviews are too time-consuming.
B.
They believe interviews are an unwarranted intrusion into their lives.
C.
They think interviews are not effective in promoting their work.
D.
They find interviews to be too formal and structured.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The text mentions that some celebrities view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, diminishing their privacy.
A.
As strictly formal and academic.
B.
As playful and personal, with a narrative aspect.
C.
As focused solely on presenting data.
D.
As detached and objective.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Eco describes his scholarly writing as having a playful and personal quality, with a narrative aspect, which is a departure from the typical depersonalized academic style.
A.
They feel it is a waste of time
B.
They consider it an unwarranted intrusion
C.
They believe it diminishes their public image
D.
They find it difficult to express their thoughts
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Some celebrities despise being interviewed because they see it as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives.
A.
It is highly formal and technical.
B.
It includes a narrative aspect, telling the story of the research.
C.
It avoids any personal anecdotes.
D.
It strictly follows traditional academic formats.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco's academic writing is distinctive because it includes a narrative aspect, telling the story of the research, which is a departure from the regular academic style.
A.
He follows a traditional academic style.
B.
He tells the story of his research.
C.
He avoids personal anecdotes.
D.
He uses a dry and formal tone.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco describes his scholarly books as having a narrative aspect, telling the story of his research.
A.
They are seen as an unwarranted intrusion
B.
They are too time-consuming
C.
They do not reach a wide audience
D.
They often misquote the interviewee
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Some celebrities view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, as mentioned in the excerpts.
A.
It was the only novel about medieval history.
B.
It was published at the right time.
C.
It was heavily marketed in the U.S.
D.
It was the first novel he wrote.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco mentions that the success of the book is a mystery and suggests that if he had written it ten years earlier or later, it might not have been successful, indicating the timing was a factor.
A.
Highly formal and structured
B.
Narrative and personal
C.
Focused solely on semiotics
D.
Strictly chronological
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco's academic writing style is described as having a narrative and personal quality, which is a departure from the typical depersonalized academic style.
A.
He writes only during dedicated hours.
B.
He utilizes interstices, or empty spaces, in his day to write.
C.
He writes exclusively on weekends.
D.
He writes continuously without breaks.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco mentions using interstices, the empty spaces in his day, to write, such as while waiting for an elevator.
A.
It is highly formal and technical
B.
It includes a narrative aspect
C.
It avoids personal anecdotes
D.
It is strictly chronological
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco's scholarly writing is known for its narrative aspect, which includes telling the story of his research.
A.
They are too short.
B.
They are seen as an intrusion into personal lives.
C.
They are not widely read.
D.
They focus too much on professional achievements.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Some celebrities view interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives.
A.
It is more formal and structured.
B.
It includes a narrative aspect, telling the story of the research.
C.
It avoids any personal anecdotes or informal language.
D.
It strictly follows conventional academic formats.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Eco's academic writing style is distinctive because it includes a narrative aspect, telling the story of the research, which is a departure from the traditional depersonalized academic style.
A.
Finding celebrities willing to be interviewed.
B.
Understanding why certain novels become successful.
C.
Writing articles without any errors.
D.
Avoiding personal questions during interviews.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Journalists are puzzled by the success of certain novels, such as 'The Name of the Rose', and understanding the reasons behind their success.
A.
It is very formal and dry.
B.
It is playful and personal.
C.
It follows a strict academic format.
D.
It is similar to his novels.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco's scholarly writing has a playful and personal quality, which is a departure from the regular academic style.
A.
They are always welcomed by celebrities.
B.
They are seen as an unwarranted intrusion by some.
C.
They are rarely used as a communication medium.
D.
They are considered a formal academic exercise.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Interviews are seen as an unwarranted intrusion by some, particularly celebrities, who may feel that interviews diminish them.
A.
They help maintain the flow and coherence of the conversation.
B.
They provide entertainment value to the interview.
C.
They are used to confuse the interviewee.
D.
They are necessary only in written interviews.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Discourse linkers and signallers are important because they help maintain the flow and coherence of the conversation, especially in structured conversations like interviews.
A.
Empty spaces in the universe
B.
The time between tasks
C.
The gaps in his novels
D.
The spaces in his academic work
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco describes 'interstices' as the empty spaces in our lives, such as the time spent waiting for an elevator.
A.
It was written in a foreign language.
B.
It included a narrative of his research process, including trials and errors.
C.
It was entirely fictional.
D.
It was never completed.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Eco's dissertation was unique because it included a narrative of his research process, detailing trials and errors, which was appreciated by his professors.
A.
Scheduled breaks for relaxation
B.
Periods of intense writing
C.
Small gaps of time used productively
D.
Time spent on leisure activities
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Umberto Eco refers to 'interstices' as small gaps of time in which he can be productive, such as writing an article while waiting.
A.
Use of discourse linkers and signallers
B.
Avoidance of personal questions
C.
Focus on the interviewer's opinions
D.
Inclusion of humor and anecdotes
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Structured conversations like interviews rely on discourse linkers and signallers to maintain cohesion and coherence.
A.
They are a source of truth.
B.
They are an unwarranted intrusion.
C.
They are a form of art.
D.
They are a necessary evil.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Many celebrities feel that interviews are an unwarranted intrusion into their lives.
A.
He believes it was due to the medieval history content.
B.
He considers the success a mystery.
C.
He attributes it to his marketing strategy.
D.
He thinks it was because of its simple language.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco considers the success of 'The Name of the Rose' to be a mystery, as he believes it would not have been the same if published at a different time.
A.
They consider interviews to be an unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives.
B.
Interviews are seen as a means to boost their public image.
C.
They believe interviews are a form of entertainment.
D.
Interviews are thought to be a waste of time.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Some celebrities view interviews negatively because they see them as an unwarranted intrusion into their personal lives.
A.
He believes the success was due to its medieval historical content.
B.
He considers the success a mystery that cannot be predicted.
C.
He attributes the success to aggressive marketing strategies.
D.
He thinks the novel's success was due to its alignment with popular trends.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco considers the success of 'The Name of the Rose' a mystery, emphasizing that it cannot be predicted.
A.
It was written in a simple and straightforward style.
B.
It coincided with a period of increased interest in medieval history.
C.
It was published at a time when people were looking for complex reading experiences.
D.
It was heavily marketed by his American publisher.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Umberto Eco suggests that the success of 'The Name of the Rose' is a mystery, but it might be because it appealed to readers who were looking for complex reading experiences.
A.
He writes only in the mornings.
B.
He writes during interstices or empty spaces in his day.
C.
He follows a strict schedule.
D.
He writes only on weekends.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco describes using interstices, or empty spaces, in his day to write, such as while waiting for an elevator.
A.
To make the conversation more formal.
B.
To prepare the listener for shifts in the topic.
C.
To ensure the interviewee remains on topic.
D.
To confuse the listener with complex language.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Discourse linkers and signallers are used to prepare the listener for shifts in the topic, ensuring a smooth and coherent flow of conversation.
A.
He has varied interests that do not overlap.
B.
His work is focused on a single philosophical interest.
C.
He pursues the same philosophical interests through different genres.
D.
His interests are purely academic with no philosophical basis.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Umberto Eco suggests that he pursues the same philosophical interests through his academic work, novels, and even children's books.
A.
Large blocks of uninterrupted time dedicated to writing.
B.
The gaps or empty spaces in his daily schedule where he can write.
C.
The periods of time he spends researching.
D.
The moments of relaxation he takes between writing sessions.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Eco refers to 'interstices' as the gaps or empty spaces in his daily schedule, such as waiting for an elevator, where he finds time to write.
A.
They are too brief to be meaningful.
B.
They can be an unwarranted intrusion into personal lives.
C.
They are often conducted by inexperienced journalists.
D.
They do not reach a wide audience.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The excerpts suggest that a common criticism of interviews is that they can be seen as an unwarranted intrusion into personal lives, as expressed by several celebrities.
A.
He uses these moments to relax.
B.
He writes articles during these small gaps of time.
C.
He plans his next novel.
D.
He conducts interviews.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Umberto Eco mentions that he writes articles during interstices, such as while waiting for an elevator.
A.
He was frustrated and wanted to be known as a scholar.
B.
He was indifferent and accepted it as part of his identity.
C.
He was pleased and embraced the recognition.
D.
He was confused and did not understand why.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Umberto Eco was somewhat frustrated by being primarily recognized as a novelist because he identified himself as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays.
A.
Interviews are a form of artistic expression
B.
Interviews are a means of suffocating the interviewee
C.
Interviews are a necessary evil
D.
Interviews are a way to gain popularity
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'thumbprints on his windpipe' suggests that interviews can be suffocating or oppressive for the interviewee.
A.
They are a waste of time.
B.
They are immoral and a crime.
C.
They are too short.
D.
They do not reach a wide audience.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Rudyard Kipling expressed that interviews are immoral and a crime, comparing them to an assault.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Some celebrities see interviews as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, feeling that it diminishes them.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco stated that the success of 'The Name of the Rose' was a mystery and could not be predicted.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco mentioned that the success of 'The Name of the Rose' was a mystery and could not have been predicted.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Linkers are important in structured conversations to ensure smooth and continuous flow of ideas.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Despite some drawbacks, interviews are seen as a powerful medium of communication.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Discourse linkers are important in structured conversations like interviews to ensure smooth and continuous flow of ideas.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Interviews are viewed as a supremely serviceable medium of communication, providing vivid impressions of contemporaries.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Umberto Eco's American publisher initially expected to sell only 3,000 copies, but the novel sold two or three million copies in the U.S.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The interview has become a standard part of journalism since its invention over 130 years ago.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Umberto Eco's academic writing was noted for its narrative aspect, which he consciously adopted.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco identified himself as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays, indicating his primary identity as an academic scholar.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco stated that the success of 'The Name of the Rose' was a mystery and could not have been predicted.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco identified himself as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays, indicating his primary identification as an academic scholar.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews states that the interview has been a commonplace of journalism for over 130 years.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco's academic writing style was recognized and appreciated for its narrative aspect, which he adopted naturally.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Eco's essays have a narrative aspect because he believed scholarly books should tell the story of the research, including trials and errors.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpts emphasize the importance of discourse linkers and signallers in ensuring the flow of ideas in a conversation is smooth and continuous.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Discourse linkers and signallers are crucial for ensuring smooth and continuous flow of ideas in conversations.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The excerpts emphasize that the use of linkers and signallers is very important in structured conversations like interviews.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Rudyard Kipling expressed a condemnatory attitude towards interviews, considering them immoral and a crime.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Rudyard Kipling expressed a condemnatory attitude towards interviews, describing them as immoral and cowardly.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Umberto Eco stated that he considered himself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays and identifies with the academic community.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Umberto Eco described himself as a university professor who writes novels on Sundays, indicating his primary identity as an academic.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Umberto Eco mentioned that the success of the book is a mystery and that nobody can predict it.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Umberto Eco mentioned that both his novels and academic works pursue the same philosophical interests.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Some people make extravagant claims for interviews, considering them a source of truth and an art form.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Rudyard Kipling expressed a condemnatory attitude towards interviews, considering them immoral and comparable to an assault.